As Age Increases, So Does Risk

Fatal automobile crash rates spike between ages 70 to 74, and are highest among drivers 85 and older, according to the CDC. These older driver deaths are caused as much by their increased frailty and medical complications as by their increased risk of crashes.

Other things that may affect the ability of older adults to safely operate a motor vehicle are age-related vision problems, their ability to think and make decisions, and age-related physical changes such as arthritis pain.